National Christmas Lights Day

National Christmas Lights Day, celebrated each year on December 1, invites people to brighten their homes and communities with holiday lights, ushering in the festive season with sparkle and cheer.

History of Christmas Lights & This Day

The tradition of decorating trees and homes with lights dates back centuries: originally, people used real candles on Christmas trees, a practice that was risky and often dangerous.
The invention of electric lights changed that. In 1882, an associate of Thomas Edison hand-wired a strand of electric bulbs and used them to light a Christmas tree — widely considered the birth of modern Christmas lighting.
Over time, the use of electric lights spread beyond trees to houses, streets and public displays. The first big display at the White House helped popularize the idea of festive lighting beyond private homes.
The creation of National Christmas Lights Day reflects a cultural recognition of this tradition — encouraging people to decorate together and embrace the joy and community spirit that festive lights bring.

Why is National Christmas Lights Day important?

Christmas lights do more than decorate — they bring light into the darkest part of the year, create a sense of warmth and togetherness, and foster community spirit. Celebrating this day helps people reconnect with those traditions: gathering with loved ones, sharing holiday cheer, and creating festive memories.
It also reminds us of the power of light as a symbol — hope, comfort, joy — especially during winter’s longer nights. Hanging lights becomes a simple, meaningful act of turning on warmth and brightness, both literally and metaphorically.

• It gives a joyful prompt to begin holiday preparations.
• It brings families and friends together through shared decorating.
• It turns neighborhoods into shared displays of light and creativity.
• It offers a way to spread warmth, hope and festive spirit in cold, dark months.
• It honours a tradition that transformed holiday celebrations worldwide.

How to Celebrate National Christmas Lights Day

On December 1, break out your string lights — whether for a Christmas tree, window décor, balcony railing, or house front. Take time to decorate thoughtfully and create a cozy, sparkling atmosphere indoors or out.
It’s also a great excuse to make decorating a shared activity: invite friends or family to help decorate, sip something warm, play festive music, or even start a decorating night tradition.

• Hang string lights around your home — trees, windows, doorways, garden.
• Switch old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs or solar-powered lights.
• Decorate with themes — winter white, multicolor, warm cozy glow.
• Take a walk or drive to enjoy your neighborhood’s and public holiday light displays.
• Invite friends or neighbors to decorate together and share decorations and ideas.

National Christmas Lights Day Dates Table